FOOTSTEPS OF SAINT PAUL

This morning board on a spectacular 3-night cruise to visit islands of Mykonos, Patmos, Crete, Santorini & the port of Kusadasi in Turkey. This afternoon we will reach the Island of Mykonos and take some free time to walk around the town and observe one of the “Characteristic” Cycladic islands.

Overnight stay on board (B L D)

On arrival at the Kusadasi port, we will begin our journey to Ephesus to see the final residence of the Virgin Mary; where she spent her last years. We will then tour through ancient Ephesus, the second largest city in the Roman Empire, at one-time home to a quarter million people to see the old synagogue, the theatre where St. Paul preached, and the Library of Celsus. Later in the afternoon cruise to Patmos: a tiny, rocky island where St. John received the divine Revelation while on exile, which forms the last book of the New Testament. In Patmos we will have an excursion and visit the island capital Chora, the monastery of St John and finally the grotto of apocalypse.

Overnight stay on board (B L D)

Upon arrival at Heraklion, explore Heraklion or chose an optional tour in the Palace of Knossos; the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on Crete, considered to be Europe’s oldest city. After lunch, we will sail to Santorini, the most remarkable of the Greek islands. Take time on your own to explore Greece’s best-known island, the beautiful town of Fira, the amazing sunset or make an optional tour to Oia Village.

Overnight stay on board (B L D)

Today we will arrive at Athens port, disembark from the cruise boat, then we will proceed to Beotia to visit the monastery Hosios Loukas an UNESCO monument and a fine example of Byzantine architecture. Continue our journey to Delphi, where we explore the fascinating archaeological sites and museum also highlights the religious background to St. Paul’s preaching.

Overnight stay in Delphi (B D)

This morning we will visit world famous Byzantine monasteries, containing priceless historical and religious treasures, standing between earth and sky atop huge rocks. Rest of the day in leisure.

Overnight stay in Kalambaka (B D)

Today we will drive towards Veria to visit the Bema of Apostle Paul, where he preached the gospel to the local community, and see the beautiful mosaic shrine commemorating St. Paul’s visit to the town after fleeing from Thessaloniki. Continue to the archaological museum of Vergina to see the amazing underground tombs and treasures of King Phillip of Macedonia.

Overnight stay in Thessaloniki (B D)

After breakfast, we will visit the places where St. Paul preached and founded a church. Later visit St. Demetrius Basilica, dedicated to a martyred Christian convert. With a panoramic tour of the city, we will see Byzantine architecture, Galerius Arch, Rotunda of Galerius and the Museum of Byzantine culture. Rest of the day in leisure.

Overnight stay in Thessaloniki (B D)

Today we will drive towards Philippi, where St Paul preached and baptized the first Christians in European soil. Visit the Baptistery of Lydia and celebrate an outdoor Holy Mass on the River Zygaktis. Later visit Kavala, the beautiful mainland port of Greece, ancient Neapolis where Paul accompanied by Silas, Luke, and Timothy, first set foot in Europe.We will visit Amphipolis, see the Lion of Amphipolis, and imposing sculpture meters high, which originally stop on top of the tomb.

Overnight stay in Kavala (B D)

After breakfast, we check out from the hotel and then transfer to Thessaloniki for flight to Australia via Athens International Airport. (B)